The tragic course of events that followed led his family and friends to launch a campaign to help spread awareness and stop similar situations from happening to other people.

On November 24, Oakley made the decision to indulge in a piece of the pound cake that was left out on their Maine vacation home’s kitchen table. Oakley’s mother, Merrill Debbs said that he had to always read labels before he ate anything and that he never saw any indications of nuts.

“He thought it was just a piece of cake,”said his father, Robert Debbs. “But when he ate it, he come over and said it might have contained nuts.” After his mother tried some, she agreed it had a nut flavor, which was later determined to be walnut.

“Merrill did what we usually do, she gave him Benadryl [pills],” said Robert. “And he came back and said he felt fine.” At that point, his only symptom was a single hive on his lip.

However, Oakley began throwing up soon after he complained of chest symptoms. After his parents dialed 911, he was blue when the ambulance arrived ten minutes later. Oakley’s heart had stopped beating and his airways had closed.

On behalf of Olivia, Oakley’s twin sister, and Robert J. Debbs Merrill Debbs, I am writing. I say this with sorrowful heart.

The family then had to accept such a devastating loss and comprehend Oakley’s unsalvageability.

“I don’t think my beautiful, amazing, talented, and adorable son should have passed away,” said Merrill.

The family established the Red Sneaker Foundation to educate people about the warning signs of anaphylaxis, an acute, multiorgan, potentially fatal reaction to allergens.